A spunky and aggressive Wampanoag woman, Gert Aikens possessed an entrepreneurial spirit yet to be matched. She had a very fancy gift shop in South Mashpee on her homestead and held week-long "Indian Programs" in late August during the '50's and '60's. Her infamous tee-pee greeting the curious who visited the little compound to be intrigued by her articulate story telling about the "Greeters of the Pilgrims" and her colorful demeanor is still talked about. From another prominent Mashpee family, Gertrude Haynes Aikens was present at events everywhere in New England as a constant reminder that the Mashpee Wampanoag were alive and well.